The Lagos State Police Command has denied social media claims alleging that armed bandits have invaded Ibeju-Lekki, Imota, Oke-Afo and other parts of the state to attack schools and abduct children
In a statement released on Monday, the Police Public Relations Officer, SP Abimbola Adebisi, described the reports as false and intended to create panic among residents.
“There is currently no security crisis, invasion, or coordinated attack on any school or community in Ibeju-Lekki, Imota, Oke-Afo, or any other part of Lagos State.
“The Command wishes to reassure members of the public that schools across the state remain safe, while the Police and other security agencies continue to maintain adequate security presence and surveillance in all communities.”
The police said the rumours were baseless but noted that the false alarm had already resulted in a tragic loss of life.
According to the statement, a 24-year-old commercial motorcyclist, Kulaha Ayuba, was attacked and killed after being wrongly identified as a “Fulani bandit” by some community youths who believed the misinformation.
“Regrettably, the spread of this false alarm has already resulted in a tragic and avoidable loss of life, of one Kulaha Ayuba ‘m’, aged 24 years, a commercial motorcycle rider.
“Some youths of the community, acting on the false and unverified belief that armed bandits had invaded the area, allegedly labelled him a Fulani bandit, attacked and fatally assaulted him.
“His motorcycle was reportedly stolen, while his body was subsequently discovered in a swamp within the community.”
Adebisi disclosed that 15 suspects have been arrested over the incident and are currently under investigation.
“The Command assures the public that all those found culpable will be made to face the full weight of the law.
“Furthermore, individuals found responsible for originating, publishing, or deliberately circulating false and inciting information capable of causing public alarm, disorder, ethnic tension, or violence will be investigated and prosecuted in accordance with applicable laws.”
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